KENTUCKY AIRBORNE CHAPTER Association, Inc. “America’s Guard of Honor” 4913 Flushing Way, Louisville, KY 40272-3175 (502) 937-8234

Chartered by A Brotherhood Formed in Sweat and The United States Congress Blood

1 September 2014 CHAPTER BULLETIN No. 73 1. MEETING SCHEDULE: Our next meeting will be:

Septembers' Meeting: 12:00 PM on 20 September, 2014 Summer Outing and Picnic Ruth & Russ Wilson's Place on the River 124 River Rd E, Charlestown, IN 47111 (See Attachment)

Octobers' Meeting: 1:00 PM on 19 Oct, 2013 VFW Middletown Post #1170, 107 Evergreen Road, Louisville, KY 40243-1439

So mark your calendar and come on out for a little Airborne camaraderie and a good time.

2. WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN: Greetings troopers! We've just returned from this year’s 82nd Assn Convention and it was a great time! For those of you who haven't made a local or national reunion you owe it to yourself to get to one. You won't regret it! Our own Joe "Devil" Steen is now a National Director, so congratulations Joe! Everyone remember that our next meeting will be September 20th 2014 at Ruth Wilson's house located at 124 River Road East, Charlestown, IN 47111. This will be our annual picnic and Ruth has requested that everyone bring a dish and to call her and let her know what you'll be bringing. Her phone numbers are 812-282-9006 or 502-938-1790. The chapter will provide hamburgers and hotdogs and some beverages. So everyone come on out and lets have a great time! We are looking good to host the convention in 2016 and we'll have more information about that at the meeting. So I'll look forward to seeing everyone on the 20th of September starting around 12:00 hours. US Military Market Place is now in partnership with the Kentucky Airborne, and are our Quartermaster. So check out our page on their website they have a few items of chapter apparel, plus a wide selection of Airborne paraphernalia. http://www.usmilitarymarketplace.com/. Give them a look; they support us so let's support them, plus they're old paratroopers. Don’t want to follow us on face book, no problem we now have a website: http://kentuckyairborne.businesscatalyst.com/index.html. Find all the information you need, or contact us. So please check out your new website today.

'AATW, RLTW, DOL!' Randy Lusk Chairman, Kentucky Airborne Chapter

3. KENTUCKY’S MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS: Enclosed are the membership statistics as of 30 June, 2014. Comparison of veteran membership totals with previous years is as follows:

Total 2012 Total 2013 Current 2014 AAM’s Total Curr. Total Del.

Kentucky Chapter 129 130 17 117 134 42

“America’s Guard Of Honor” AFRICA SICILY ITALY FRANCE THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM GERMANY VIETNAM GRENADA PANAMA PERSIAN GULF OEF/OIF

KENTUCKY AIRBORNE CHAPTER 82ND Airborne Division Association, Inc. “America’s Guard of Honor” 4913 Flushing Way, Louisville, KY 40272-3175 (502) 937-8234

Chartered by A Brotherhood Formed in Sweat and The United States Congress Blood

Yes it is time to re-up in your chapter. If your membership card has year 2013 then your membership has expired.

4. NEW, RENEWAL, REINSTATEMENT AND LIFE (AAM) MEMBERSHIPS: I’d like to thank these members for renewing their memberships with the Kentucky Airborne Chapter or transferring their Life (AAM) memberships:

None for August

*Note: WWII 82nd Vets, current, plus 20 years, annual membership will automatically become AAM .

5. LOUIE MANION MEMORIAL FUND: The Louie Manion Memorial Fund is one way we support our charitable contributions to both the 82d Airborne Division Wounded Warrior Fund, and the Chaplain’s Paratrooper Pantry on Ft. Bragg. If you wish to participate please send $12.00 (or as much as you feel comfortable with) to your Kentucky Airborne Chapter. When complete, make checks payable to: Kentucky Airborne Chapter

Mail to: Kentucky Airborne Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc. 4913 Flushing Way Louisville, KY 40272

Contributors for Aug 2014: None

6. WITHIN THE DIVISION AND : 18th Airborne Corp Commanded by LTC .Joseph Anderson, and Battalions from the 82nd Airborne Division 1st Brigade Combat Team (504 P1R-Devils) and 2nd Brigade Combat Team (325AIR-Falcons) continue their combat tour in Afghanistan. 82nd Division Commander MG John W. Nicholson, Jr. and Command Sergeants' Major LaMarquis Knowles and the Division Troopers continue their support and training for world contingencies.

a. Sgt. 1st Class Samuel C. Hairston, a 35-year-old Paratrooper from Houston, Texas, was a platoon sergeant with A Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. Hairston enlisted in the Army in March of 2003. Upon completion of one station unit training, he completed the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He arrived at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 2003, and was later assigned to 1st BCT in August of 2013. Hairston’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army

Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters and the NATO medal. His qualifications include the Ranger tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Military Master Free Fall Parachutist Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, Drivers Badge and the Marine Qualification Badge Expert-Rifle. He is survived by his wife, Staff Sgt. Tawana Hairston and his son Hayden.

b. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, will begin departing for Fort Polk, , on Sept. 2, for training that will feature both conventional and special operations forces. Over 7,000 Paratroopers and Soldiers from units across the Army will come together as “Task Force Falcon,” deploy to the fictional country of “America’s Guard Of Honor” AFRICA SICILY ITALY FRANCE THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM GERMANY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VIETNAM GRENADA PANAMA PERSIAN GULF OEF/OIF

KENTUCKY AIRBORNE CHAPTER 82ND Airborne Division Association, Inc. “America’s Guard of Honor” 4913 Flushing Way, Louisville, KY 40272-3175 (502) 937-8234

Chartered by A Brotherhood Formed in Sweat and The United States Congress Blood

Atropia, and conduct operations in a fast-paced and rapidly changing training environment. The training will include units from the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division; 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Div.; 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne); 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment; and numerous Fort Bragg- based units including the 82nd Sustainment Brigade; 192nd Ordnance Bn.; 9th Psychological Operations Bn. (Airborne); 3rd Bn., 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Fires Brigade, 82nd Abn. Div. and 2nd Bn., 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, will begin departing for Fort Polk, Louisiana, on Sept. 2, for training that will feature both conventional and special operations forces. The training will also include 2nd BCT coordinating with intergovernmental and interagency partners to conduct noncombatant evacuation operations and deal with threats posed by chemical and biological weapons.

NOTE: These articles and more can be read at http://www.paraglideonline.net/, the FT. Bragg Paraglide newspaper that is published weekly on Thursday. Also, please visit the 82nd Airborne Division website http://www.bragg.army.mil/82ND/pages/default.aspx , for past and current Division information.

7. 68TH NATIONAL CONVENTION: "Operation Ozarks" in Springfield, MO is in the books. I would like to thank all the members from the Kentucky Airborne that attended. Mike ‘Shu’ Shuman and his lovely wife Jenny provided the food for, and ran the 504 Hospitality room at the convention and did one heck of a job. Our Chaplain Paul Vicalvi gave the benediction at the 504 Dinner. Even though the convention was smaller than normal everyone that attended had one heck of a good time. Those of you that never have attended one of these events are really missing out, and should start making plans to attend next year’s convention. The 69th National Convention will be in Orlando Florida and will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Airborne. 8. ASSOCIATION ED FUND: Educational (Ed) Fund By-Laws Change V, approved by the Board of Directors, August 2013, the 2010 Fact Sheet and updated Appendix F (Dependent and Trooper Applications) are available via the Association website Vet/Military Information link. Please pass on to Chapter Members via your Chapter newsletter, website and at meetings. Additionally, remind your members that donations to the Educational Fund is tax deductible, as the Fund 501(c)(3) approved by the IRS. Contact Chapter HQ for the latest information on 82nd Association Scholarships.

9. WOUNDED WARRIOR FUND: The Association WW Fund is 501(c)(3) tax exempt for ALL contributions. WW contributions should be mailed to: 82nd Abn Div Assoc WW Fund, P.O. Box 87482, Fayetteville, NC 28304. The most recent contribution list and form was published in the WINTER Paraglide and the next is forthcoming in the Spring issue, also available at the WW link on the Association website.

10. UPCOMING ASSOCIATION EVENTS: Chapter publicity of and member attendance at these upcoming Association Chapter and Regional events is encouraged. Registration and hotel information for these events can be found on the Association webpage "Events" link, and also in the Winter Paraglide.

a. 52nd Airborne All Ohio Days: POC is Event Coordinator-Paul Thompson (614)441-7542, [email protected]; October 10-11, 2014; Registration was published on page 39 of the Winter Paraglide and is also attached.

b. 2014 Florida All Airborne Days: October16-17, 2014 in Orlando, FL; Co-hosted by the Dan S. Campbell and Orlando All Airborne Chapters, POC is Steve Leonard (352) 726-3693

“America’s Guard Of Honor” AFRICA SICILY ITALY FRANCE THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM GERMANY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VIETNAM GRENADA PANAMA PERSIAN GULF OEF/OIF

KENTUCKY AIRBORNE CHAPTER 82ND Airborne Division Association, Inc. “America’s Guard of Honor” 4913 Flushing Way, Louisville, KY 40272-3175 (502) 937-8234

Chartered by A Brotherhood Formed in Sweat and The United States Congress Blood

c. 2014 Veterans Day Activities - Beginning this year the National Headquarters will host the Veterans Day Activities supported by 2- members of the D.C. and 1- from the Tucker Chapter. Look for the host Hotel and Registration information in the Spring Paraglide, and also in the June 2014 National Bulletin. We hope to sign a contract with a new Hotel for 2014 Veteran's Day Activities. An $82 Registration fee will defray the 4- Wreaths for November 11, 4- days of transportation (will rent 3-15 passenger Vans for 4-days), 1- Cake for Nov 10, three (3+) days of hospitality room (Beer and Snacks) and possible Comp-Rooms for the Color Guard at the host Hotel (National will request the Division Color Guard during All American Week), The Sequoia Restaurant will host a free-lunch on November 10, and this year we will attempt to secure a second Restaurant to host a free-lunch on November 9. For Dinner, we can shuttle all to Restaurants, pay as you go.

d. Sun City "All Airborne" Fiesta VII: July 1-5, 2015, El Paso, TX; hosted by the Roy Benavidez-Robert Patterson All Airborne Chapter, POC is Rick Trevizo (915) 562-9969, [email protected]

11. VETERANS UPDATE:

a. NATO Plans New Bases in Eastern Europe, UPI | Aug 27, 2014: BRUSSELS -- The head of NATO said new bases in Eastern Europe will be built to counter potential conflict with Russia. Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the NATO summit next week in Cardiff, Wales, would overcome divisions within the 28- nation mutual security organization and establish opportunities to deploy troops and equipment near the Russian border. Poland and the three Baltic countries formerly part of the Soviet Union -- Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia -- have been especially vocal about the anxiety as a potential target for Russian involvement, in light of Russia's recent annexation of Crimea, and its perceived role in helping militants in Ukraine's breakaway eastern provinces. The United States and the United Kingdom support a troop buildup in Eastern Europe; France, Spain and Italy oppose it, with Germany, eager to avoid provocation of Russia, undecided. Sources said the Cardiff summit will likely avoid using the term "permanent" to describe new bases, but a presence in Eastern Europe is likely to begin. The only NATO headquarters east of the former Iron Curtain is in the Polish port city of Szczecin, and is expected to be the hub for the new bases. The collective defense of NATO, in light of Russia's recent moves, will be the focal point of the summit meeting. Former NATO Supreme Commander Adm. James Stavridis suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin's policy of aggression will backfire. b. VA Adds Primary Care, Week of August 25, 2014: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has added primary care to the services available to veterans through VA's Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) contracts. Eligible veterans are already able to access inpatient specialty care, outpatient specialty care, mental health care, limited emergency care and limited newborn care for female veterans following childbirth under PC3. VA Medical Centers have the ability to purchase non-VA medical care for veterans through contracted medical providers when they cannot readily provide the needed care due to geographic inaccessibility or limited capacity. In addition, VA is reviewing how PC3 may be used to help implement the newly enacted Veterans Choice, Access, and Accountability Act of 2014. For more information on PC3, visit VA's Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) webpage at www.nonvacare.va.gov/PC3/index.asp.

c. Report Explains Federal Vet Hiring Laws, Week of August 25, 2014: A new report issued by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), 'Veteran Hiring in the Civil Service: Practices and

“America’s Guard Of Honor” AFRICA SICILY ITALY FRANCE THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM GERMANY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VIETNAM GRENADA PANAMA PERSIAN GULF OEF/OIF

KENTUCKY AIRBORNE CHAPTER 82ND Airborne Division Association, Inc. “America’s Guard of Honor” 4913 Flushing Way, Louisville, KY 40272-3175 (502) 937-8234

Chartered by A Brotherhood Formed in Sweat and The United States Congress Blood

Perceptions', discusses Federal laws and regulations regarding the preferences in hiring that Federal agencies can or must give to veterans and certain family members. It also uses survey data to discuss Federal employees' perceptions surrounding the use of these hiring authorities. The report is available in .PDF format at the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board website.

d. Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of LGBT Vets, Week of August 25, 2014: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was sued in federal court recently by LGBT-rights advocates seeking benefits for the same-sex spouses of veterans living in states that do not recognize their marriages. Lambda Legal and the law firm of Morrison and Foerster filed suit against Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald on behalf of the American Military Partner Association in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit arguing that to deny such benefits is in violation of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Windsor case. For more information, read the Military.com article and visit the American Military Partner Association website.

12. U.S. COMBAT JUMPS SEPTMEBER: Date Unit Personnel Country Operation A/C Type Jump______5 Sep 1943, 503th PIR, 1,700, New Guinea, Nadzab, C-47, A-20s, Day /CE/ Mass Tac ------5 Sep 1967, USMC, 10, South Vietnam, Oregon ------13 Sep 1943, 504PIR, 1,300, Salerno Italy, Avalanche, C-47, Night /CE /Mass Tac ------14 Sep1943, 505PIR, 2,105, Salerno Italy, Avalanche, C-47, Night/CE/ Mass Tac 14 Sep 1943, 509 PIB, 640, Avellino, Italy, Avalanche, C-47, Night/CE/ Mass Tac ------17 Sep 1944, 82 ABN, 7,250, Holland, Market Garden, C-47, CG-1 gliders, Day/CE/ Mass Tac 17 Sep 1944, 101 ABN, 6,769, Holland, Market Garden, C-47, CG-1 gliders, Day/CE/ Mass Tac ------22 Sep 1971, SOG, 4, Vietnam, TM Storter, HALO

13. CONTACTING CHAPTER HQ: For whatever reason you would like to talk with us, please do. We always love hearing from follow troopers. We try and make it as easy as possible, and here are all the ways to do it:

KENTUCKY AIRBORNE CHAPTER 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc 4913 Flushing Way, Louisville, KY 40272-3175

Phone: (502) 937-8234 E-mail: [email protected] “America’s Guard Of Honor” AFRICA SICILY ITALY FRANCE THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM GERMANY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VIETNAM GRENADA PANAMA PERSIAN GULF OEF/OIF

KENTUCKY AIRBORNE CHAPTER 82ND Airborne Division Association, Inc. “America’s Guard of Honor” 4913 Flushing Way, Louisville, KY 40272-3175 (502) 937-8234

Chartered by A Brotherhood Formed in Sweat and The United States Congress Blood

Website: http://kentuckyairborne.businesscatalyst.com/index.html Kentucky Airborne Chapter is on Facebook

‘AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY AND THEN SOME!’

RANDY LUSK Chairman Kentucky Airborne Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association Phone: (H) 812-294-4712 (C) 502-553-7036 Email: [email protected]

Encl: 4

OFFICIAL: Joe Steen Secretary

“America’s Guard Of Honor” AFRICA SICILY ITALY FRANCE THE NETHERLANDS BELGIUM GERMANY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VIETNAM GRENADA PANAMA PERSIAN GULF OEF/OIF

Kentucky Airborne Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc. SUMMER PICNIC 20th SEPTEMBER 2014

Come on out to your summer picnic, and bring your family, and a fellow trooper. The Chapter is providing the food and drink, and the Wilson's are providing the place.

Per boss of the family. Ruth says to bring a dish from any of these: Cole slaw/devilled eggs/potato salad/baked beans/a desert/or any other dish that you prefer. Please call RUTH any evening at 812-282- 9006 to coordinate.